Scotland's missing million: We help young voters get signed up for independence referendum

OUR Have Your Say 2014 campaign was launched yesterday and we hit the streets to find some of the estimated one million eligible voters who are either not on the electoral roll or not expected to turn up at the polls.

Yesterday, we spoke to some of those who might miss out and persuaded them to fill out and post the form printed in our pullout.

Callum Hunter said he was unaware he had to be on the electoral roll to vote.

Dominic Cocozza

Callum Hunter, 16, filling out his form and posting it

The 16-year-old student, from Govan, Glasgow, said: “I thought I would automatically be eligible to vote.I am not sure how I want to vote yet but the referendum is important to me. I’m glad I have been given the chance to register.”

Sean McBride, 16, from Paisley, intends to vote Yes. But he did not know he would miss out if he did not register before September 2.

Dominic Cocozza

Sean McBride, 16, sends off his form

He said: “It’s really good you have done this, I had no idea I had to fill out a form.”

Tracey O’Docherty, 27, from Ibrox, said she had been waiting for forms to be sent to her home.

The unemployed nursery worker said: “I had no idea I had to do this. I think I’m going to vote Yes. I like the idea of us being responsible for ourselves.

“It is great the Record is doing this. We won’t get this chance again and I could have missed mine.”

Dominic Cocozza

Tracey O'Docherty, 27, will get her vote on the big day

Scotland’s political leaders also put aside their differences to praise our campaign.

Scottish Labour leader Johann Lamont said: “Many of those not registered to vote could have the most to gain or lose from the decision Scotland makes.

“The Record is doing a fine public service, not only informing people of the issues but persuading everyone to be active in the debate.”

SNP MSP Linda Fabiani said: “This is a fantastic initiative by the Daily Record. “This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to shape Scotland’s future – and a decision that is too important to leave to other people.”

Scottish Lib Dem leader Willie Rennie said: “Thumbs up to the Daily Record for this campaign.The decision over Scotland’s future is one which will affect our children and our grandchildren. If you are eligible to vote, you need to be part of that decision.”

Scottish Tory leader Ruth Davidson said: “Well done to the Daily Record for highlighting such an important issue.

“This is a massive choice facing our nation and, unlike an election, you can’t change your mind in five years’ time if you don’t like the result.”

We teamed up with the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO) and the Scottish Trades Union Congress to hammer home the message yesterday.

John Downie of the SCVO said: “It’s appalling to think so many eligible people in Scotland aren’t registered and many more won’t bother to use their vote.”

John Downie

Allan Rennie, editor in chief of the Daily Record and Sunday Mail, said: “The decision Scots make in the referendum is one that will resound for generations to come.

“That is why it is crucial as many people as possible are involved by getting registered to vote and using their vote on September 18.

“There is still time get on to the electoral register and have a say – but not that much time.

“That is why we have joined with the SCVO and STUC to campaign for Scotland’s missing million voters to make their voices heard.”